Dayton Dining

The Wait is Over- Old Scratch Pizza Opens Tuesday!

October 17, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

We’ve all been watching the transformation of what was once an old ugly paint store on Patterson across from Grismer Tire become transformed into Old Scratch Pizza.

Stephanie Soller shared that her husband Eric drove by the building every day for years from his job at Hobart on his way home to their home in Oakwood and about a year ago they decided that it would be the home of their beer and pizza joint. The couple, who meet in culinary school had always dreamed of opening a restaurant together.

The 6000 sq foot restaurant has a casual feel, where you’ll order at the counter, then head into the dining room, which seats about 150 at communal tables or at one of the 20 seats at the bar. There’s even a private room that will seat about 30. Weather permitting the patio adds another 40 seats.

The pizza they’ll be serving is Neopolitan-style pizza – a very thin crispy crust, cooked quickly in two wood-fired pizza ovens that at 800-1000 degrees will cook a pizza in just a couple of minutes. Soller says getting used to the ovens has been a big learning experience for him and the staff. A Chicago pizza expert Gianni Gallucci of Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani (aka the Pizza Police) was brought in to assist in training them all on the style of pizza they will be producing.

Stephanie Soller

MostMetro.com was lucky enough to get an invite to one of the practice dining sessions, where we were greeted with great hospitality by Stephanie, who seemed very cool and collected, a great sign for management of the new eatery. She gave us a quick overview of the menu and it was hard to decide where to begin. Vegetarian {V}, Vegan{VG} and Gluten Free{GF} items were clearly marked, a welcome detail for many. The pizza’s are about 11 inches around- a big meal for one or perfect to share. We tried the meatballs- and they were quite tasty- can’t wait to go back for a meatball sandwich.

The Pizza Menu is divided into REDS:

WHITES:

Doors Open at Table 33 Monday

October 16, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Co-owners Chris Harrison and Charlie Carroll posted this on their Facebook page this weekend:

Finally! After seven long months, Table 33 is finally ready to tell the world “We’re Open!” Beginning Monday, October 17th, Table 33 will open it’s doors for business.

To ensure the outstanding quality and customer service we aim for, the restaurants opening will be progressive. The Coffee Bar / Grab & Go Menu will be up and at it Monday, with the full-service sit-down side of the restaurant opening in late November.

Beginning October 17th, hours of operation will be from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Make sure you check out the Grab & Go Menu to see what’s available.

Let’s get this party started… the right way. To have a little fun, which is part of who we are, Table 33 is going to equip each of our first 10 guests, Monday – Friday, with a High-Quality Custom Table 33 t-shirt. That’s Right! For the first 10 customers through the door each day, Monday – Friday, Table 33 will give them one of our new t-shirts. That’s a total of 50 t-shirts for the week.

Thanks again for all of your support thus far and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Table 33 is located at the corner of 2nd and Wilkinson, in the spot that was formerly Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers and before that Sidebar. Located so close to the Schuster Center, future plans include some evening hours and they do have a full liquor license.

Old Fashioned Diner With Old Fashioned Prices

October 12, 2016 By Bryan Suddith

Dayton is good at keeping secrets. I’ve been searching for little out of the way diners for years in Dayton and am always happy to find a hidden gem. Over at Dayton Diners and Dives I have chronicled my love for East Dayton’s Hasty Tasty, Abner’s, East 5th Grill and other old school breakfast and lunch spots.

This week I discovered another. Located near the yogurt and ice cream at the end of aisle 1 inside Dot’s Market on Patterson is The Bullpen. Originally an ice cream and soda fountain spot, it opened in 1964. I’ve been there two times in the last 5 days and I will be back again sooner, rather than later.

Consider getting a burger hand made from Dot’s famous ground beef. Or a bowl of chili made with the same top cuts. What if you could enjoy a turkey club with big slices of Dot’s hand sliced bacon on top? You can in the Bull Pen.

The Bull Pen is a no-frills diner. It seats 10 at the U shaped counter and has space for another 40 in seats and booth backed tables. Little has changed since the 70’s included the regulars and staff. My waitress Brenda has been serving regulars in the Bullpen for more than 30 years. The average tenure of the men at the counter was no less than 25 years as regulars. I was there for lunch this week and the dining room was half full with retirees and lunch hour workers of all stripes.

The menu is simple and yet meets every need. Salads, sandwiches, and signature burgers round out an affordable lunch menu. I had the Queen sized cheeseburger, with a cup of chili and chips for under 7 bucks. They offered a King size and Bison burger as well. The Club Sandwich I spotted was overflowing with turkey and topped with thick sliced bacon on toast. Broasted Chicken, a fried fish plate, chili dog lunch, tenders and wings makes the lunch menu big enough for everyone.

Dinner specials include those old favorites, fried shrimp basket, liver & onion, chopped sirloin and the roast beef or turkey hot shots. These dinner plates are served with two sides and a roll, all under $10.00.

I stopped in for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I was the 7th one in the door and I arrived 5 minutes after opening. I enjoyed a great biscuit and gravy with a scrambled egg. My coffee cup was well attended to and my entire bill was under $7.00.

The breakfast menu is simple, affordable and straightforward diner fare. Two eggs, toast and home fries are only 3.99. The Big Bull Breakfast, 3 eggs, home fries, meat, toast is under $6.00. Biscuits and gravy, omelets and fried mush are standard offerings alongside waffles, pancakes, potato cakes and grits. I’ve got my eye on the country fried steak breakfast next time.

Dot’s Bull Pen restaurant is the kinda place you are treated like a local on your first visit. Top notch service, great ingredients, and low prices make this a standout on my list of go-to Dayton Diners. A few additional notes: Pies by Dayton’s Mehaffie pies filled the glass case and the Red Velvet Cake was calling my name as I left to get back to work.

Somehow this little corner diner, at the end of Aisle 1 has been a hidden gem for over 50 years. Next time you are shopping for ribs, brisket, burgers or tenderloins at Dot’s meat counter, treat yourself and stay for lunch. The Bull Pen, located at 2274 Patterson Rd in Kettering, and is open Monday to Saturday 7am – 7pm and Sundays 8am to 2pm.

Chocolate For The Cause

October 10, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

All month long Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe is spotlighting Breast Cancer Awareness and raising funds for the cause! They will be donating 20% of a different item sold each week. Proceeds from these sales will go to the Kettering Medical Center Foundation to provide mammograms for local under/served and under/insured. You can help them make a difference in women’s lives with early detection!

Remember those pretzel rods with the caramel, toffee chips and chocolate that you dream about? Well, this weeks fundraising efforts involve just that pretzel! 20% of all sales of their famous Bellbrook Pretzel will be donated to KMC Foundation for use in local breast cancer screening. This is a great time to stock up ~ these pretzels make great little gifts for Teachers, Hair Stylists, Friends and more! This discount runs through Oct 15th.

Next week (Oct 16th – 22nd) the family owned business that has operating for 32 years will apply the 20% donation to all boxed chocolate. Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe takes pride in their special blend of light and dark chocolates and hand dip all their chocolates.

WEEK 4: Double Dipped Strawberries! (Oct. 23rd – 31st)

This week, 20% of all Double Dipped Strawberry sales will be donated to KMC Foundation for use in screening for breast cancer for the locally under/served and under/insured. We can make a difference with early detection!

FYI: October is our last month for strawberries this season. They will start up again in February! (Just in time for Valentine’s Day!)

You can visit Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe in the Cross Pointe Shopping Centre just off of I 675 at 101 E. Alex-Bell Rd., Suite 144, Centerville, OH 435459. And tell them MostMetro.com sent you!

Extra! Archer’s Opens New Location Monday!

October 9, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Archer’s on Dorothy Lane Opens Monday October 10th !

Familiar food and faces, in new places, is what you can expect this Monday. Popular Centerville restaurant “Archer’s Tavern” expands to a second location tomorrow, and the buzz has been very positive from training day.

A new atmosphere, larger than the original restaurant, and an enclosed patio area are some of the featurea. But don’t worry, you can still eat your favorites as they have kept the EXACT same menu !

Food Adventures was able to grab a table on training night, and we are pleased to announced that the food was terrific and the service was great. They have a tried and true system which allows for quick, attentive service, Their friendly employees are top notch.

A New Staff Awaits You

HERE’S THE SKINNY on ARCHER’S TAVERN, KETTERING:

— The restaurant is located at 2030 E. Dorothy Lane in the old Tumbleweed restaurant location.

— Grand Opening October 10th, 2016 at 11am.

— Hours will be :
Sunday 11am – 10pm
Monday – Thursday 11am – 11pm
Friday and Saturday 11am-1am

Blackened Tilapia over Rice

— The restaurant will rotate 24 draft beer taps, with an eclectic selection of local, familiar and rare beers.

— Huge, 200 people seating area, with full bar area and enclosed patio seating

— Archer’s will continue to feature Buckeye Vodka in many of its cocktails and special events.

— Owners Mike Fullenkamp and Dan Apolito started planning for this location a year ago, after deciding to nix a deal on a Cornerstone Development location near Wilmington Pike and Feedwire Rd.

One of the Dining Rooms

As for the food, we have our patented “MUST EATS” to tell you about. Use our dozens of visits here to ensure you try the best of the best. Drumroll please… start drooling as we present our …

MUST EATS at ARCHER’S TAVERN- KETTERING/DOROTHY LANE:

— AWARD WINNING CHILI: Every year they hold a chili cook off, and the winner not only wins cash, but their chili goes on the menu for a year. The result is the most flavorful chili around. It is ridiculously good.

Fudge Brownie Sundae – yeah, that good

— ARCHER’S ALE: This is the Big Ragu’s “go to” brew at Archers. It is an ESB (Extra Special Bitter), but don’t let the name ESB scare you, it is a light refreshing beer. It is brewed in Cincinnati by Rivertown Brewery, ESPECIALLY for Archer’s Tavern. Try this winner in a pint glass.

— GRILLED, BLACKENED TILAPIA OVER RICE: This will knock your socks off if you love fish. A nice, clean , fresh filet. The blackened seasoning gives it a perfect balance. We suggest a side salad and rice for your sides to complete a perfect pairing.

— WINGS “SWEET AND SEXY STYLE”: This is why you read Food Adventures, because we know

Enclosed Patio seating

things no one else does. These wings are NOT on the menu, but available by special request. These are wings with Dry Rub spice, drizzled with Spicy Garlic sauce, then tossed in Sweet BBQ sauce. The result is tangy and slightly hot taste of joy. Probably the best wing sauce we have ever tasted.

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: A massive, heaping sandwich filled with meat, peppers and melted provolone cheese. You can also request cheese whiz on this monster. We say, go for it. This is how they do it in Philadelphia. Your choice of shaved ribeye steak or sliced chicken breast for the meat. Tip: ask for extra mayo.

The Bar Area

— TACO PIZZA: Good, flavorful and spicy! The ground beef matches well with the cheese and jalapenos. The fresh dough is a hallmark and we absolutely love it.

— STICKY BURGER: Where else in town can you get a burger with Peanut Butter on it ? The result is an incredible taste that mimics a peanut Thai taste. In the 5 year hisory of Archer’s only 2 people have returned the burger because they did not like it. TRY IT !

— FUDGE BROWNIE SUNDAE: Oh mama…. the brownie is served hot, covered in hot fudge. A scoop of vanilla ice cream tops that, and caramel is drizzled over the whole thing. Turn on the lights and call the law, we dont care if we ever get well…

Salad With French Dressing

What great stuff. A local eatery with spot on food, service and prices, just like the original. This location should be a home run too.

Food Adventures would like to send congratulations to the owners and staff on their new locale. It is a pleasant place, and is perfect for family and friends. It will also be a great stop for those softballers, and other sports teams at Delco Park for after game dinners and drinks.

Food Adventures is proud to be featured in weekly articles on DaytonMostMetro .com

Check out our upcoming appearances at our Food Adventures website, DaytonFoodies.com – since 2008, bringing you food scoop in the Miami Valley.

Browse the Gallery Below for some great Archer’s food and restaurant photos.

Outside – Kettering Archer’s

Archers ale

one of the Large dining rooms

Sweet and Sexy wings

Bar Area Seating

Taco Pizza

The Bar Area

Sign out front

The Big Ragu with a Sticky Burger

Philly Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz

The Sticky burger assembled

Bun with peanut butter on the StickyBurger

BBQ wings

Crawfish Boil for a special anniversary party

Homemade Chips

Chili

Award Winning Chili

Pizza

Chicken and Bacon Sandwich

Reuben

Salad

Dan and Mike open their second location of Archers

Blackened Tilapia over rice

Bourbon Street Cafe: Oooh, That Chicken….

October 6, 2016 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Bourbon Chicken – Their signature dish and main draw

Bourbon Street is again on Brown Street, and has been for a while. The Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe is in a no frills dining room where the line can get long, but it goes fast. From UD Students, to locals, people come from all over. Whether for a work lunch, or taking dinner home, people are getting wise to this place. Why? It is simple – GOOD FOOD, GOOD VALUE! And …. oooooh that chicken, …. people go crazy over it !

This place is EXACTLY what Food Adventures is about… a locally owned spot where practically everything on the menu is a winner. We should know it, because in the 6 or 7 times we have visited, Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe, we have tried practically every menu item. And that’s what sets our blog apart.

Located at 1043 Brown Street

HERE’S THE SKINNY on BOURBON STREET GRILL & CAFE:

— Located at 1043 Brown St. in Dayton, they are open everyday from 11am-9pm, except Sundays when they are closed.

— Owned by Hassan Abdalla, who moved to Dayton as young adult from the Middle East. He always had the dream of being a pilot. His father passed away unexpectedly, forever prolonging that dream and Hassan found himself working in kitchens to make ends meet. He worked himself up

Blackened Salmon over Corn and Potatoes

to high end restaurants, like L’Auberge. He then decided to open his own business, for years doing catering and festivals. He opened a restaurant on W Second Street, then took an opportunity on a new location on Brown Street.

— They still cater and make several festival appearances during the year.

— Note that their chicken is grilled thigh meat, that is pulled and finished on the flat grill and cubed. The result is a one of a kind, almost melt in your mouth taste.

— Helpful and hard working staff, always busting their butts to fill orders.

We first were exposed to these guys at festivals, and after eating their food at Big Brews and Blues, then Garlic Fest, we have been hitting the brick and mortar location regularly. Over time, the Food Adventure Crew has developed a list of Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe’s absolute best dishes. Or as we call them, our patented “Must Eats.”

Spicy Chicken over White Rice

MUST EATS at BOURBON STREET GRILL & CAFE:

— BOURBON CHICKEN: The signature dish. The mother ship on a plate. We suggest white rice or spicy rice with this, although many enjoy lo mein noodles or steamed vegetables as a side. When they serve this chicken, they scoop it up, then get another scoop of sauce and drizzle it over top. We drool every time.

Sides served right out of the piping hot steamers

— BLACKENED SALMON: Cajun spices dust the pan seared salmon filet. Again we suggest it over rice, but there are so many choices from beans to corn to potatoes, the sky is the limit. But the Salmon… holy cow is it good.

— SPICY CHICKEN: This is the Big Ragu’s favorite dish. He sweated in the summer heat and got lit up at a couple of festivals but it was worth it. He likes the spicy chicken poured over white rice, to cool down some of the heat. But choose whatever side you want.

Havent had cornbread this good since Burbanks

— CORNBREAD: An incredible throwback to southern style cornbread. One slight problem, they do not have butter on site. So if you are eating in, byob – “bring your own butter.” We could eat a brownie pan of this stuff.

— THE CHEESEBURGER: A 1/3 pound burger patty loaded on a sturdy bun with all the fixins. They top it off right. A delicious mix of flavors, napkins recommended for this one.

Honorable Mention: — The PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SANDWICH is a nice surprise (get extra mayo). Also, the BLACKENED SEA BASS is delicious.

Even their Burger surprised us

From salads to beans, to edible fried tortilla bowl options, you have an open canvas. With so many good entrees and sides to choose from, you can get lost in their menu. One thing you wont lose, is a lot of money, because the menu is a great value.

Now you know about this stellar place on Brown Street. Go check out Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe and make your own combinations. It is a great place, with an incredible owners story behind it. A story of hard work and perserverence.

Make sure you browse the photos below in our picture gallery. Our food pics are incomparable.

Remember, we are not food critics, we are 3 people with a passion for food. Follow Food Adventures on our Facebook Page by clicking HERE. It is a foodie’s paradise. Also, catch our upcoming appearances on DaytonFoodies.com since 2008.

Philly cheesesteak

Lo Mein Noodles Option

The staff is one of the hardest working in town

Corn and Blackened Salmon

The Gyro

Spicy chicken and rice

Grilling Chicken

Dining Room

Potato side with salmon

Tilapia – edible bowl

99-Cent Cheeseburger Deal Tues, Oct 4 at Bagger Dave’s

October 3, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

On Tuesday, October 4th all Bagger Dave’s locations are offering each customer a regular size Great American Cheeseburger and a side of Hand-Cut Fries or Dave’s Sweet Potato chips for .99 cents. The Centerville Bagger Dave’s, located at 5299 Cornerstone North Blvd. opened last November and a West Chester store opened this past spring.

“The Great American Cheeseburger Day is a way to celebrate our passion for crafting the perfect burger. After countless hours of research and inspiration from many chefs, we found our locally sourced Prime Rib Recipe burger. Now we want everyone to experience one,” said Michael Ansley, president and CEO of Bagger Dave’s.

The Great American Cheeseburger Day is the kick off to Bagger Dave’s new Tuesday $5.95 Great American Day promotion where guests can purchase a Great American Cheeseburger and a Hand-Cut Fry or order of Dave’s Sweet Potato Chips for $5.95 each and every Tuesday, (a 37% savings over the regular priced menu, or over $3.50 off the regular menu price).

At Bagger Dave’s, patrons can create their own fresh and never-frozen prime rib beef burger or hormone-free grilled chicken, all-natural turkey or veggie black bean burgers with a choice of 19 Meaningless Free Toppings ® and six premium toppings, including seven cheese choices, custom made sauces, a variety of artisan buns and more. A selection of Signature Burgers also are available, including the famous Train Wreck Burger® which includes Fresh-Cut Potato Fries, fried egg, cheddar, sautéed onions, lettuce, mushrooms and Rail House Thousand Island® on a toasted sesame bun.

Diners also can enjoy side items such as Hand-Cut Fries, Dave’s Sweet Potato Chips®, Twisted Mac ‘n’ Cheese, a side salad, and a cup of Turkey Black Bean Chili. Bagger Dave’s, founded in 2008, has identified a niche in the burger business with a modern interpretation of the old-fashioned neighborhood bar. Each location features artwork reflecting the history of the city it is in. Currently, there are 19 restaurants between Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

(The offer is limited to dine in only guests, no carry out. One .99 cent Great American burger per person. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Gratuity and tax not included. Add-ons extra. Valid at all Bagger Dave’s locations.)

There’s A New Bagel In Town!

October 1, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Introducing Old World Bagels from the Ghostlight Bakehouse!

I got an invitation from Shane Anderson to stop by and visit Ghostlight Coffee so he could tell me all about something new. As I arrived I noticed a brand new stand on the counter, filled with bagels. Shane and baker Mandy shared that they’d been working on bringing bagels to the coffee shop for a while and have finally found the right recipe and invested in some equipment so they provide fresh bagels each morning.

The bagels are formed & rested, then ‘proofed’ before going into the boil, a mixture of water and beer from local breweries. Don’t worry, the beer cooks off in the boil. They then go into the oven where they get a nice crisp exterior with a soft & chewy inside.They plan to stock 4 flavors daily and will rotate through flavors such as:
Lumberjack (Maple, Cinnamon, Smoked Sea Salt)

Old World Authentic (Plain)
Cinnamon & Ginger Chip
Apple Cider
Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt
Black & White Sesame
Chocolate Swirl (featuring Mesocacao Single Origin Chocolate)
Spicy! Everything! (with HouseMade Sriracha Powder in the mix!)They will also offer a seasonal Local Brew Bagel, with beer in the bagel dough itself… starting with:
OCTOBERFEST! Featuring The Dayton Beer Company …topped with pretzel salt. You will LOVE this toasted with a smear of cream cheese.The base recipe of the bagels is vegan, being dairy, egg and nut free. But yes, they do have gluten in them. Future bagel offerings may be topped with nuts or cheese, but they will clearly indicate those ingredients.

You’ll be able to pick up a bagel for just $2. Various toppings will be available including Cream Cheese, Hummus & Hawthorn Homestead Jams at an additional charge. If you’d like to pick up a large order to share at the office or your next group event, please call to place an order for a dozen or more by noon the day before you need them at (937) 985-2633.

You can visit Ghostlight at the corner of Wayne Ave & Clover Streets in South Park:

Mon – Thu: 7a-5:30p
Fri & Sat: 7a-7p
Sun: 8a-5:30p

10 ?’s with Chris Coherd, Executive Chef, Mudlick Tap House

September 30, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Chris Coherd, took over as Executive Chef at Mudlick Tap House this past May. No stranger to kitchens around town, he worked at Truffles, Madison’s and Fresco. Before making the move to this Germantown eatery, Coherd spent three years as the Sous Chef under Chef Anne Kearney at Rue Dumaine.

Chef Chris believes in running a scratch kitchen, and whether that means butchering the free range chicken he picks up from Ed Hill in Xenia or curing his own meats, he prides himself on his commitment to locally sourcing ingredients.

An avid outdoorsman, he loves to hunt and fish and has been spotted at Urban Krag doing some climbing as well. He also loves to spend time with his wife Elly and their 9 month old son Max.

Now that he’ s put his mark on the menu at Mudlick, he took the time time to answer our 10 ? Chef Interview. Enjoy his answers below:

DMM: What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

CC: I cook with so many ingredients and I love all of them. My most common are butter, onion and garlic. And fats…every dish is rounded out with some kind of fat whether its olive oil, bacon fat, butter, etc.

DMM: What ingredient do you dread?

CC: Bony fish…deboning fish is time consuming and can also destroy the fish and create an unappealing visual.

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pan seared red snapper served with crispy yukon potatoes and local pea shoots finished with a relish of sweet corn, shallot, zucchini, red bell pepper and a champagne vinaigrette.

DMM: What’s your favorite dish to make?

CC: Curry chicken and rice with fried basil leaves. I make my curry from scratch with curry coconut milk, garlic, jalapeno, and onion and reduce it to concentrate the flavors then add chicken and serve it over rice topped with some fried basil leaves.

DMM: What’s your favorite pig out food?
CC: PIZZA-Pies and Pints – The Hot Mama

DMM: What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley

CC: Taquria Mixteca – I order the same thing every time I go – chicken steak shrimp fajitas

14079678_1132530870141065_454040676701029534_n

New Zealand lamb chops with farm fresh pea shoots, sauté of white beans, sun-dried tomato, and lemon zest with a mint parsley pistou!

DMM: What’s your best advice for home chefs?

CC: Taste everything before you serve it!

DMM: If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

CC:

Brian Griffey – the first chef I ever worked for and my mentor

Phillip Cronin – Childhood friend and chef for Edward Lee in Washington DC

Aaron Allen-Former co-worker and chef de cuisine at Autumn Restaurant at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Nate Vance – Sous Chef at Salar

Worked with all of them, enjoyed working with them, respect their culinary skills and talent, and we all enjoy each other’s company

13680865_1118103094917176_6222323173043995204_n

Black grouper pan seared on a zucchini fritter & arugula with a relish of bell peppers, local sweet corn & wilted shallot on a roasted red pepper coulis!

DMM: Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

CC: Anne Kearney

She’s a beast in the kitchen. If you think your fast at prep, work next to her for 30 minutes and you will realize how slow you really are. And her knife cuts will look better than yours!

DMM: What do you do in the Miami Valley on your day off?

WhSandwiches from Fifth Street Deli (The Champ), Beers and Giant Jenga at Warped Wing. But in the fall, you can find me in a tree stand.

DMM: Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

CC: When I worked this year’s Celebrity Chef James Beard dinner in Columbus, Brian the chef de cuisine was originally supposed to cook the venison loin and at the last minute decided to hand off the responsibility to me which I was extremely nervous about since these are a lot of talented chefs. The venison came out cooked perfectly followed by several compliments from the many talented chefs in attendance.

Ghost Hunting at Amber Rose

September 30, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Come on down, nobody’s been down here… for a while

CALLING ALL GHOST HUNTERS! BYOE.. bring your own equipment!

(Caution: All attendees must sign a waiver) Get your tickets by clicking HERE.

Friday night, October 21st, in the wee hours of the night, you may hear a creak, you may feel a chill. But this is what many are coming for, this is what they want. The Amber Rose Restaurant is giving 40 attendees unprecendented access to the previously private areas of the “Haunted” restaurant. Some will bring cameras, some will bring fancy recording devices, others will just bring their senses.

Access to the spooky azz basement.. CHECK

Erdinger Dunkel will be flowing, and the moon glowing

Access to the creepy old attic… CHECK

Paranormal investigators “ParaSense” will be on hand, sharing their findings and helping guide visitors. It’s all you hunt from 9pm til 2am.

But hey, Ghost Hunters get hungry and thirsty.. So we have put together a 3 station stop of food and brews… in between your, BOOS ! For late stayers, there will be a special late night cheap eats menu and drink specials until 2am.

Now, THAT is a Food Adventure.

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE NIGHT OF GHOST HUNTING:

WHEN: OCTOBER 21st at 9pm and you are welcome to stay and Ghost Hunt until 2am

WHERE: The AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT at 1400 Valley Street in Dayton

The Haunted Amber Rose Restaurant on 1400 Valley Street

WHAT: 3 Beers, 3 Food Stations, 1 Night of unprecendented access for Ghost Hunting and ghastly findings from Parasense Paranormal Investigative Team. What will they share from their 2015 and 2016 overnight visits? Shelly, Kat and Alicia have recordings, photos and computer findings that will make your hair stand on end ! The Food Adventures Crew may be hiding under a table

First Course
—Beck’s Oktoberfest
—Deluxe Potato Pancakes & Bavarian Pretzels with Bier Cheese Dip

Whats the wurst that can happen ?

Second Course
—Erdinger Dunkel Beer
—Bratwurst Encroute & Hunter Schnitzel Sliders

Third Course
—Breckenridge Vanilla Porter
—Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

SPECIAL LATE NIGHT MENU 1opm – 2am – CHEAP PRICES, CHEAP THRILLS, CHEAP SCREAMS ! Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu are always up for a late night Food Adventure.

COST: EVENT IS PRE PAY ONLY $25 includes the tip – CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS –

Welcome to the heart of Haunted Dayton ladies and gentleman. Come learn about the history of Amber Rose, hear the personal stories, and most of all explore for yourself. There will be door prizes, trivia and much more. If you are serious Ghost Hunter or just have a hunger for the Miami Valley’s scariest places… Dont miss this one night only event !

Want more foodie fun? Join the 7,000 fans on Facebook that follow Food Adventures…. CLICK HERE

You arent Scared… are ya ?

Attendees can Toast to a ghost !

Wings from the Late Night Menu

Attic and basement and other places are now ON LIMITS !

Wiener scnitzel

Lily’s Bistro Introduces New Chef & Menu Changes

September 29, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Fall is here and with it comes a new menu from seasonal restaurant Lily’s Bistro. “The beginning of fall is one of our favorite times in the midwest,” Lily’s Bistro owner, Emily Mendenhall said. “It means introducing fall flavors like pear, pumpkin, plums, and butternut squash, as well as a new seasonal cocktail list.”

It is the first menu designed under the direction of new Chef de Cuisine Amy Finch and Sous Chef James Burton. Finch has been at Lily’s since they opened in 2013 and has been responsible for creating the popular Sunday family style fried chicken dinner menus. “My goal with this menu was to keep with our seasonal mission and also to add even more elevated comfort food options that fit with the Lily’s style,” said Finch.

Mendenhall says that with this menu change, “we’ve been honing our skills and training. In the front of house, this means a renewed focus on friendly service, and in the kitchen, this means we’ve been working on more daily specials and unique menu items,” she said. “We also plan to change a portion of the menu every month instead of every quarter, which will give us the ability to spotlight even more seasonal items.”

The October menu also offers a new design that encourages traditional entrees or tapas style meals. It also sees the return of previous fall favorites like the vegetarian butternut squash lasagna and pan seared duck breast with blue cheese bread pudding, as well as new stand outs like the potato pierogies with southern pear sauce, alligator eggrolls with peanut satay, and Lily’s butcher steak with mashed potatoes, lobster cream, and roasted fennel.

This fall also sees the return of the weekend prix fix menu. Starting at $25 per person, on Friday and Saturday guests can enjoy a 3-course meal including homemade desserts made by pastry chef Danielle Harlow.

With a number of inspired dining events, Lily’s Bistro also features weekly specials on Tuesday with discounts on select bottles of wine and $5 sangria, Punch Night on Wednesday with a new punch each week sold for $5 a glass or $20 a carafe, and Curious Cocktails on Thursday featuring interesting classic cocktails or inventive new ones. Wednesday and Thursday from 5-7:30 there is a happy hour menu with food and drink specials.

Lily’s Bistro is open Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-10pm; Friday and Saturday: 5pm-11pm, with lunch service Tuesday-Friday,11:30am-3pm, with weekend brunch service both Saturday and Sunday, 11am-3pm, and with family style fried chicken dinner,Sunday 5pm-9pm.

National Coffee Day Tipple: Irish Coffee

September 29, 2016 By Brian Petro

We all take coffee for granted as just part of the daily routine. Wake up, brew or buy a cup of coffee, then get to doing something productive with your day. Before it was grown, roasted, boiled, and consumed, first it had to be discovered. The story is that a shepherd in Mocha saw his flock frolicking about after eating berries from a certain shrub. He took the berries, then to make them palatable roasted them then boiled them. He found the drink gave him vast amounts of energy, and the technology spread through the Middle East and Africa. It had to fight various bans for its mind altering effects, as scholars debated on whether or not it counted as being intoxicated when you were hopped up on caffeine. It passed the test with Muslim imams and eventually the Catholic church. According to the story, Pope Clement VIII was charged by his followers with banning the drink of the Muslims. He tasted it before the ban and chose to allow the drink to spread, stating it should be baptized as Catholic to get it from Muslim hands. This is all around 1600.

Coffee has always warmed us up and given a little jolt of energy. It also encourages conversation and the spreading of ideas. From the coffee houses of Shakespeare’s time to Starbucks, people who were looking to connect with others came together under one roof. The chef at an airport bar in Ireland concocted the drink for passengers coming off a plane looking cold and miserable. He offered hem some coffee with a little shot of Irish Whiskey in it. The passengers loved it, and it became a menu item on at the bar in question. One of the travelers that eventually enjoyed the cocktail was Stanton Delaplane, who brought the drink to San Francisco with him and championed it to the city. It was first served at the Buena Vista Cafe in 1952, and embraced by the city. It has been served there, and anywhere else that had coffee and Irish whiskey, ever since.

This is the critical ingredient: Irish whiskey

Irish Coffee

1.5 oz./ 45 mL Irish whiskey
2 tsp. brown sugar
4-6 oz./ 120 – 180 mL hot coffee
Glass: Irish Whiskey
Garnish: Whipped cream
Ice: None

Prepare the glass by warming it with hot water. Empty the glass when warmed, then add the coffee and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then add the Irish whiskey. Stir again. Evenly spread the whipped cream over the top of the coffee and serve.

I love this drink. It is delightful any time, day or night. It is just warm and inviting, the bite and sweetness of the whiskey just peeking through the coffee flavor. You may be tempted to stir the whip cream in, but don’t. The layer of cream on top gives you a little with each sip, and acts as a delicious insulator for the coffee. If you are looking for some caffeine to add to your liquor, I suggest this over vodka and Red Bull any day. And you get whipped cream!

This is day 27 of a series, #100DaysOfCocktails, being done by Smart Guy In A Tie Cocktails. You can follow along daily on my Instagram page on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Brookville’s Girls Tennis Team Wins Local Tournament

September 29, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Brookville HS Girls Tennis Team 2016

Congratulations are in order for the Brookville Girls Tennis Team. They were declared winners of the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament, September 20th at Thomas Cloud Park.

Brookville High School, out of Brookville Ohio, bested the following local teams:

Beavercreek HS – Beavercreek, OH

Carroll High School – Dayton, OH

Catholic Central High School – Springfield, OH

Jennifer Lee Schmidt, 1985 Carroll Graduate

Kenton Ridge High School – Springfield, OH

Lehman Catholic Schools – Sidney, OH

Tippecanoe High School – Tipp City, OH

Valley View High School – Germantown, OH

It was a big win for Brookville who scored the most points in the day’s matches to surpass the other schools. There were competitive girls tennis matches with some of the area’s most talented players.

The Tournament was well attended

Individual awards included :

1st Team Singles Champion: Jillian Milano, from Carroll High School who won the 1st Team Tournament Singles title for a record 4th year in a row.

2nd Team Singles Champion: The title went to Ashley Wallace from Kenton Ridge High School.

3rd Team Singles champion: Leena Koklades from Brookville High School

Other winners included:

1st Team Doubles Champions: Danielle Spanbauer & Alissa Otte from Carroll High School

Kenton Ridge players receiving awards

2nd Team Doubles Champions: Anna Vandewiele & Kailey Helton from Beavercreek High School.

THE HISTORY OF THE TOURNAMENT:
The year was 1985. The parents of former Carroll High School student Jennifer Lee Schmidt had reported their daughter missing from the area of Purdue University. She was never found.

Concession profits went to charity

Carroll High School has tried to turn this heartbreak into a positive, by sponsoring a memorial Girls’ Tennis Tournament in Jennifer’s honor each year.

It was a great tournament, a good cause and a beautiful setting.

There was also a concession stand with doughnuts, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs run by our own Food Adventures Crew. All proceeds from the concession stand benefitted the annual event and the Carroll HS Girls Tennis Team.

The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax make up Dayton’s Food Adventure Crew. You can find them writing articles on Dayton Most Metro almost every week since 2011. Follow their trips on Facebook by clicking here. From local mom and pop restaurants, charity event, festivals, cooking classes, TV spots, and everything food related

Please browse the photos below from the awards ceremony and more.

champs – Brookville

Waiting for awards

Congratulations Brookville !

Jillian Milano – 1st Singles Champ

More winners from Kenton Ridge

Stacks of burgers were sold

Brookville gets another award

Carroll Singles award

Intense competition

Enjoy Deals Thursday For National Coffee Day!

September 28, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

There are many legendary accounts of how coffee first came to be, but the earliest credible evidence of either coffee drinking or the knowledge of the coffee tree appears in the middle of the 15th century in the Sufi monasteries around Mokha in Yemen. It was here coffee seeds were first roasted and brewed, much like they are prepared today. Yemeni traders brought coffee back to their homeland from Ethiopia and began to cultivate the seed.

In 1670, coffee seeds were smuggled out of the Middle East by Baba Budan, as he strapped seven coffee seeds onto his chest. The first plants grown from these smuggled seeds were planted in Mysore. It was then that coffee spread to Italy, to the rest of Europe, to Indonesia and the Americas.

Brazil produces more coffee in the world than any other country followed by Colombia. More than 50 countries around the world grow coffee, providing a delicious variety for the indulgence of steamy cups of the black drink for connoisseurs to consume.

If caffeine is the music in your ears, the spring in your step, the very blood in your veins, well, tomorrow is your big day: National Coffee Day is Sept. 29. To help you celebrate we’ve compiled a list of coffee discounts and deals around town:
Boston Stoker: We decided to celebrate by giving back to our customers! For one day only we’ll have all beverages marked down by $1. Stop in and help celebrate this holiday with us!

Dairy Queen: From 2 to 5pm Sept. 29, participating Dairy Queen locations will have $1 small flavored ice coffees and $2 Ultimate Frappes

Dorothy Lane Market: Get any size of drip coffee for just $1 at the DLM Coffee Bar this Thursday!

Dunkin’ Donuts: Celebrating not only National Coffee Day, but also its 66th year of being in business by offering guests a medium-sized cup of hot coffee for just 66 cents.

Love’s Travel Stops – $1 of every 24 oz. Coffee or Cappuccino Sold at Love’s Locations Nationwide will go to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in that community for Coffee Day 9/29

McDonald’s: $1 for any size coffee

Smoothie King: BOGO deal on all Coffee High Protein Smoothie flavors. Buy a Coffee High Protein Smoothie (any size) and receive a free 20 oz. smoothie.

Starbucks: Starbucks will donate a coffee tree for every brewed cup of México Chiapas coffee customers buy on Sept. 29

Lily’s Bistro Hosts Doggie Date Night

September 28, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Lily’s Bistro hosts Doggie Date Night in benefit of SICSA on Thursday, September 29 on their dog friendly sidewalk patio. A portion of all sales throughout the restaurant for the evening will benefit SICSA.

“With patio season winding down, weather is still very nice.” Emily Mendenhall, Lily’s Bistro Owner said. “We always welcome well behaved pups on our sidewalk patio but partnering with SICSA gives attendees extra incentive to check it out and support this great non-profit”

Doggie Date Night falls on Curious Cocktail Thursday, a Lily’s Bistro weekly special that features a new or rediscovered cocktail making use of inventive ingredients or preparations.

“Our chef’s will be making gourmet dog treats for the pup’s and themed dinner and drink specials for the humans” Mendenhall said. “It’s a great opportunity for our staff to showcase their creativity while helping this great non-profit”

For those interested in Doggie Date Night, the event takes place on Thursday, September 29 at Lily’s Bistro. No tickets are required but reservations are encouraged for larger groups.

Based in Kettering, SICSA’s (Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals) mission is to promote the welfare and adoption of companion animals, and nurture loving, lifelong relationships between animals and people. SICSA will be on site for a limited portion of the evening with an adoptable dog and info on pet adoption.

Oktoberfest Served Up At Hawthorn Grill

September 27, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

It’s become a fall tradition for Chef Candace to roll out her Oktoberfest menu just as the weather starts to turn. Dine at Hawthorn Grill starting tonight, September 27 and running through October 8 and you can enjoy her special German inspired menu:

Obatzda
Traditional Biergarten Cheese Dip with Homemade Bavarian Pretzels. 9

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables. 19

Caraway & Apple Cider Pork Chop
Natural Pork Jus, Herbed Spätzle, Braised Apples, Parsnips & Carrots. 22

Choucroute Garnie
Sauerkraut, Assorted Sausages, Potatoes, Whole Grain & Dijon Mustard. 19

Wiener Schnitzel
Traditional Lemon-Caper Sauce, Herbed Spätzle, Braised Red Cabbage. 19

Knödel, Braised Apples, Sweet & Sour Gravy. 21

PIZZA & SALAD: $13.99
Autumn Fig Salad – Port Marinated Dried Figs, Gorgonzola Dolce, Toasted Hazelnuts, Brown Sugar
Roasted Pears & Sweet Potatoes, Arugula, Balsamic-Port Vinaigrette; Artisanal Pizza of Your Choice.

SOUP OF THE DAY:
Butternut Squash & Apple Soup; Applewood Smoked Bacon, Maple Cream, Spiced Pecans.

DESSERT:
Autumn Apfelstrudel
Traditional German Dried Fruit and Apple Strudel, Vanilla Custard Sauce. 6.50

Plum Kuchen
German Plum Cake, Streusel Topping, Vanilla Ice Cream. 6.50

Visit the Hawthorn Grill at 1222 E Stroop Rd, Kettering, Ohio 45429

Tue-Thu:	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fri:	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sat:	5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sun:	10:00 am – 2:00 pm